THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR

WASHINGTON

ORDER NO. 3379

Subject: Temporary Cessation of Non-Emergency Unmanned Aircraft Systems Fleet Operations

Sec. 1 Purpose. This Order is intended to better ensure the cybersecurity and supply of American
technology of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) procured for use and operation in support of the
Department of the Interior's (Department) mission. Protecting America' s national treasures and
critical resources requires a sustained effort to securely access, collect, and maintain information,
much of which is sensitive.

Sec. 2 Scope. This Order applies to all Bureaus/Offices. As used herein, the term "unmanned
aircraft systems" encompasses unmanned aerial systems, drones, and similar technology, including
component parts, that are remotely controlled and subject to Federal Aviation Administration
regulations. It covers activities conducted in furtherance of the Department's mission, using
Department funds, or for purposes identified in a cooperative agreement, contract, grant, or other
agreement between the Department and another party. Designated components ofUAS include and
are not limited to hardware and software components necessary for collecting, storing, and
transmitting data or similar information.

Sec. 3 Authority. This Order is issued under the authority of 41 U.S.C. § 3304(a)(3); the Federal
Acquisition Regulation, 48 C.F.R. 6.302-3; 2 C.F.R. 200.300; and section 2 of Reorganization Plan
No. 3 of 1950 (64 Stat.1262), as amended.

Sec. 4 Background. The Department invested in a fleet ofUAS to help meet its multiple statutory
obligations. These obligations vary, but at times they include emergency management, fighting
wildland fires, conducting search and rescue, surveying Federal land, collecting research data, and
assisting law enforcement, among others. The Department has been a leader in deploying UAS to
better achieve its goals. These efforts include assessing, collecting, and maintaining information
that relates to our critical American energy, transportation, and defense infrastructure. In certain
circumstances, information collected during UAS missions has the potential to be valuable to
foreign entities, organizations, and governments.

The President has identified additional UAS considerations. On June 10, 2019, Presidential
Determination No. 2019-13, pursuant to the Defense Production Act, determined that the "domestic
production capability for small unmanned aerial systems is essential to the national defense." With
this Order, the Department is taking action to ensure that our minimum procurement needs account
for such concerns, which include cybersecurity, technological considerations, and facilitating
domestic production capability. Pending further guidance based on completion of an ongoing
review, the fleet is grounded with the exception of emergency operations described in guidance to
be issued by the Assistant Secretary - Policy, Management and Budget (AS - PMB).
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Sec. 5 Implementation.

a. AS - PMB is responsible for:

(1) Issuing any necessary implementing guidance within thirty (30) days of the
date of this Order. The AS - PMB shall consult with other Federal agencies possessing relevant
expertise to develop guidance, as deemed appropriate and necessary, and establish procedures to
identify Designated UAS, which are UAS manufactured by designated foreign-owned companies or
UAS with designated foreign-manufactured components.

(2) Determining any required reporting.

(3) Approving any deviations or waivers from this Order.

b. Heads of Bureaus/Offices. In order to better ensure that the Department's minimum

needs properly account for American technology and cybersecurity concerns and are based on the
foregoing considerations, heads of affected Bureaus/Offices shall immediately take the following
actions, consistent with governing laws, regulations, and policy and to the maximum extent
practicable:

(1) Limit Department funds from being expended for Designated UAS.

(2) Condition all Department contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements

relying on UAS for achieving approved objectives on the requirement that funds will not be
expended on Designated UAS.

(3) Condition all parties' operations pursuant to a Department contract, grant or

cooperative agreement on the requirement that Designated UAS will not be operated on
Department-managed lands.

(4) Execute their responsibilities under this Order consistent with guidance
from AS - PMB.

Sec. 6 Delegation of Authority. The AS - PMB is delegated authority to carry out the
requirements of this Order. This authority may be redelegated as appropriate.

Sec. 7 Expiration Date. This Order is effective immediately. It will remain in effect until its
provisions are converted to the Departmental Manual or until it is amended, superseded, or revoked,
whichever occurs first.

Date: JAN 29 2020